Trek
Stache 5
- 2019

Details

With Stache 5, you don't have to pay a big cover charge to get into the 29+ party. It's a trail hardtail that rolls on 3-inch mid-fat tires for monster-truck traction on rough and loose terrain. This mountain bike is equipped with a burly suspension fork to keep you on your line when things get rowdy and a frame that delivers a lively and fun ride with its astonishingly short chainstays.

It's right for you if...

You ride because riding is fun, and you don't want to fuss with a full-suspension rig. You prioritize solid, dependable parts over the latest high-priced gadget, and want a bike you can take anywhere, from gravel bikepacking adventures to marathon singletrack days to gnarly, rocky routes.

The tech you get

An Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame with innovative features like an elevated midstay, Stranglehold dropouts, and Boost hub spacing for tons of tire clearance. The wide 3-inch tires mounted to 50mm SUNringle rims deliver unbelievable traction, but are still spry enough to pop off jumps and scramble up climbs. Plus, it has a Shimano Deore 1x10 drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes, a Manitou Machete 32 Comp fork with 120mm of travel, and a dropper post.

The final word

Stache 5 is an absolute blast. The short chainstays deliver a lively ride and quick acceleration, while the mid-fat tires grip loose terrain relentlessly and steamroll over obstacles. It's built with solid components that will hold up for all the good times on the trail.

Why you'll love it

1 - Stache is super versatile and equally at home on multi-day bikepacking trips as it is on rough singletrack2 - The super-short chainstays make it really easy to show off your wheelie skills3 - This model gives you most of the performance of the higher-end models for way less money4 - Traction satisfaction: the mid-fat tires immediately make you a more confident and capable rider5 - We're not the only ones who love it: DirtRag says, "[Stache] is the most fun bike I rode this year, and fun is where it's at."

The 2018 Stache 5 is a load of fun to ride. It is a great choice for Long Island's trails. This bike might have big wheels and tires but it handles like a ballerina in the woods. Tight switchbacks and drops are easy to navigate and it floats over roots and rocks with ease. I was a little worried about the 1x10 gearing and the Manitou fork but after hitting the trail those worries faded immediately. BTW Trek also tossed in a dropper post and tubeless valves for the rims. What more could you ask for??? Great bike, Great value and great spec.

Great value compared to last years rigid model. Loads of fun on the trail if you are a hard tail enthusiast looking for something a little different. Flies through the twisties and climbs like a goat. The bigger tires provide just enough comfort without stepping up to a FS. My only complaint (hence the 4 stars) is that the fork on this bike kinda sucks. I think it needs a little more R&D. It's plenty stiff but has lots of stiction (seal drag) that I'm hoping will go away over time.